Is Braggs, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Braggs, OK — Water Quality Report
Braggs's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,030 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 18 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Braggs's water
Braggs ranks #50 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Braggs relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Braggs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Braggs, OK water safe to drink?
Braggs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,030 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Braggs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Braggs's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3411). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Braggs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Braggs's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Muskogee County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Arkansas River Near Muskogee, Arkansas River At Gore, Illinois River Near Gore.
Where does Braggs's water come from?
Braggs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,030 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River Near Muskogee (river), Arkansas River At Gore (river), Illinois River Near Gore (river).
What Braggs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Braggs's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Braggs's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Braggs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Braggs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 45,150 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC MUSKOGEE LLC MUSKOGEE, OK74403 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 43,831 | 7.9 mi |
MUSKOGEE GENERATING STATION FORT GIBSON, OK74434 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 1,319 | 8.7 mi |
ERGON ASPHALT PARTNERS LP. - PORT OF MUSKOGEE MUSKOGEE, OK74403 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
AMERICAN FOUNDRY GROUP LLC ALLOY 2 FACILITY MUSKOGEE, OK74403 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
ERGON ASPHALT PARTNERS LP. - MUSKOGEE OK MUSKOGEE, OK74403 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Braggs
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- FANSTEEL METALS FMRI9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMuskogee County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Muskogee County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Braggs compares by contaminant
Explore where Braggs ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Braggs's water comes from
Braggs's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,030 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Braggs
Braggs is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Braggs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRAGGS WATER WORKS | OK2005104 | 1,030 | GW |
How Braggs compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Braggs's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Braggs, OK
Wikipedia →Braggs is a town in Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 270 as of the 2020 census. The town is best known as the site of Camp Gruber, a World War II military cantonment that was the home base of the 42nd Infantry Division and the 88th Infantry Division.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Braggs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Muskogee
Frequently asked questions
Is Braggs, OK tap water safe to drink?
Braggs's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #50 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Braggs's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Braggs's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Braggs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Braggs's water come from?
Braggs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,030 residents.
What health violations has Braggs's water system had?
Braggs has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Braggs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Braggs uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 18 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Braggs's water compare to other cities?
Braggs ranks #50 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 86% of state cities) and #5693 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Braggs's small water system affect quality?
Braggs's system serves approximately 1,030 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 18 violations on record.